The Model 301 is a complete, Delta-Sigma high-resolution data acquisition system for the Universal Serial
Bus (USB). It serves as a general purpose A/D converter or as a built-in interface for a wide variety of
instrumentation. Up to 32 Model 301s can be connected to a single USB port using inexpensive hubs. Two
analog input channels are provided, along with eight digital inputs and eight digital outputs.
Lawson Labs has been designing and building high-resolution Delta-Sigma Data Acquisition Systems since
1991. The Model 301 represents our sixth generation of Delta-Sigma design. It incorporates the optical
isolation and input protection that have long allowed our high resolution systems to function reliably
in the industrial environment.
The analog input range is +/- 5 volts, true differential. The maximum single-channel data rate is 1000 Hz
at 20 bits effective resolution. Both channels can be scanned at 100 Hz with effective resolution
of 20 bits. As the unit is slowed down, it quickly gains effective bits to 22 bits at 200 Hz and 22.5 at
50 Hz for single-channel operation. The input impedance is 1013 ohms and the DC common mode rejection is
typically -100 dB. The isolated portion of the Model 301 operates from a single unregulated, low-power power supply.
Drivers are provided for Win98 through Win10, with sample application code for
VisualBasic, VisualC++, .NET (VisualBasic, VisualC++, VisualC#) and LabView®.
The VB sample code includes a real-time graphic presentation of data, and is powerful enough for many general purpose
data logging applications. Multiple A/Ds can be split
between 32 applications, or all used by one, or anything in between. Units can be connected or disconnected
on the fly, without interrupting other ongoing acquisition. In order to obtain fully independent operation,
even under fault conditions, we found it beneficial to write our own low-level USB device drivers.
These signed drivers should provide high reliability operation for critical acquisition tasks.
Each Lawson Labs USB data system is programmed with a unique ID number to eliminate ambiguity when multiple data
systems are connected. The unique ID also provides the additional benefit that ID numbers can be used for software
protection. We can reserve a range of ID numbers for a particular customer. Application software can then verify the
ID number to guarantee that the software installation is authorized.
SPECIFICATIONS
A/D TYPE
24-bit delta-sigma converter with
microcontroller supervisor and
optical isolation
MONOTONICITY
23 bits
LINEARITY
+/-0.002% of full scale
DIFFERENTIAL INPUT RANGE
+/-5 volts
DC COMMON MODE RANGE
+/-6.5 volts
DC COMMON MODE REJECTION
-100 dB typical
ANALOG INPUTS
2, multiplexed true differential
protected to +/-60 volts
INPUT IMPEDANCE
1013 ohms typical
PROGRAMMABLE DATA RATE
50 to 1000 Hz, lower rates are
generated through digital averaging
EFFECTIVE RESOLUTION
Effective resolution is defined as total
resolution in bits minus RMS noise in
bits
Figures below use an oversampling
ratio of four
Rate
Effective Resolution in Bits
1000
20
500
21
200
22
50
22.5
SCANNING MODE
Three scan types are available, single channel, multi-channel, and a calibration
scan that adds a reading of the zero channel at the end of each scan for offset
drift compensation. The maximum number of data points per second in multi-channel
scanning mode is 200. Any of the three scan types can add a digital input into
the data stream after each conversion. That feature allows maximum timing
accuracy for digital events.
DIGITAL INPUTS
8 bits, contact closure or 5 volt logic compatible
11 to 15 VDC, regulated or unregulated, for isolated circuitry
or 15 to 30 VDC with pre-regulator option
TYPICAL POWER CONSUMPTION
The microcontroller operates as a low-power
USB bus-powered device.
The analog input and digital I/O requires 25mA
(add drive current for active digital outputs, up
to 20mA each).
SIZE
Board only 5.5 x 3.7 x 0.75 inches
Optional enclosure 6.0 x 4.2 x 1.25 inches
SINGLE-PIECE PRICE
$350 board only
OPTIONS
Starter kit, includes wall-mount power supply,
USB cable and matching connector with hood ($25)
Power Supply Pre-regulator ($15)
Enclosure ($60)
PACKAGE PRICE
Includes all options above $425
OTHER OPTIONS
Custom Input Ranges of +/-2v, +/-1v, +1/-0.4v, +/-200mV, +/-100mV
Consult factory for other ranges.
